Happy memories of a cherished pet is a common experience for many individuals. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide array of other animals can enhance our lives, and even, in some situations, become close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for individuals who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet buddy.
In some cases, pets bring these benefits because they have been specifically trained to do so. Service animals for people with hearing loss can be trained to provide specific kinds of support or even complete special jobs. But that’s not always the situation. Even an everyday animal companion with no special training can offer comfort and friendship. Special bonds between animals and people who have hearing loss are frequently formed as a result.
Is owning a pet good for mental health?
Untreated hearing loss can be extremely isolating, making it hard to hear and understand those around you. This break in communication can cause the individual with hearing loss to seclude themselves.
So, is having a pet helpful? Definitely! There are lots of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. Clear communication with animals can be achieved without the need to hear verbal language. People with hearing loss can successfully bond with all kinds of pets (this is typically dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can provide comfort and emotional support during what may be a very lonely time.
This does not replace human-to-human social contact, of course. But when making human relationships is difficult, it can offer some comfort and support. Pets can also help you discover opportunities to connect with other people. Even if you’re not necessarily talking with others or making new friends, doing things like taking your dog for a walk in the park can give you the chance to be around others.
Pets can be great helpers
In the case of a service dog for hearing impaired people, these animals are specially trained to help their human companions in moving around and functioning in the world. Generally, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that individuals who have hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for those who have hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds including a ringing phone, alarm clock, or a screeching teapot.
- Detecting a knock at the door or a doorbell ringing.
- Letting their human know that the smoke alarm is sounding.
- Detecting the sound of approaching traffic or other hazards.
- Service dogs can even be trained to recognize their human’s name, and when someone is talking to that human. This can help those who have hearing loss better take part in communication.
Service animals are specially trained to detect these sounds and communicate them to their human. But service animals are not the only way one could benefit from having an animal around. Even a non-trained dog can start barking when the doorbell rings. Cats and other animals will also usually react to sudden or unknown sounds which their owner will recognize if they are tuned in to their pet.
A symbiotic relationship
Pets can add lots of benefits to your life without you even recognizing it. Adding some structure to everyday life is one of those benefits. For instance, they will need to be walked, fed, and loved numerous times every day. This structure can be an essential source of comfort. Lots of different types of animal-assisted therapies exist because of this.
But if you’re thinking about getting a pet or service animal, it’s essential to give it some careful consideration. You will need to be able to take proper care of the animal you select and you will want one that will meet your needs.
While a service animal can be a big help, they aren’t capable of providing the same level of lasting benefits or the same capabilities as a hearing aid. However, pets can be a major part of your life and provide a trusty companion. They can be a unique and important part of their life.
Take the first step toward hearing better. Give us a call today!
